The first permanent settlement in the DeWitt County was not until 1820 on land previously held by the Kickapoo and Pottawatomi Native American tribes. Both the county and the count seat of Clinton were named for Governor DeWitt Clinton of New York, who held the position from 1817 until 1823.

It was not until 1835 that Jesse Fell of Bloomington, a dear friend of Lincoln later in life, and James Allin, a state senator, established the city of Clinton in 1835 and the county was organized later in 1839.

Today, the proximity to the exact center of the state of Illinois makes it a destination that's literally easy to reach, but difficult to leave. In Clinton, visitors can explore a rich Lincoln heritage that has remained untouched for years. Discover the important role that Lincoln played in Clinton’s early development for nearly 20 years, beginning with the 8th Judicial Circuit in 1839, two years after Lincoln began the practice of law, until his election as President.

Clinton invites each and every guest to take a walk into history and visit Clinton. Visitors are encouraged to tour the restored mid-Victorian mansion which was the home of the Honorable C. H. Moore, Abraham Lincoln's law partner in Clinton, and stick around for the Apple and Pork Festival in September where entertainment and museum tours are among the festival activities. An estimated 80,000 visitors attend the festival each year.

From a cemetery walk to a festival, from an unbeatable library and museum to walking tours and story trails, and is not too far from Weldon Springs State Park. For the visitor looking an unforgettable experience, Clinton has it all!

By looking at the pictures below, you can get an idea of Clinton and Dewitt County in Lincoln’s time and as it stands today. Maybe you’ll find something unexpected when you go Looking for Lincoln in Clinton and Dewitt County!

Then

Now

Following the route of Lincoln on the Eighth Judicial Circuit is easy, to learn more about the history of the courthouse in this county, just click here!

You may also want to consider a stop by the following sites of interest!

Mr. Lincoln’s Square

Visit their historic Abraham Lincoln sculpture by A. L. Van Den Bergen that stands in Mr. Lincoln's Square, downtown Clinton, IL, on the site where Lincoln allegedly made the famous quote, "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." These words are inscribed on the front of the pedestal. Another quote, inscribed on the rear of the pedestal, reads "That it may not be forgotten that here for nineteen years as a lawyer and friend, he was counselor and teacher of our forefathers, this statue is erected by the citizens of DeWitt County to the memory of Abraham Lincoln." The statue was dedicated on November 11, 1931.

From the square, visitors are encouraged to get out and stop in a few of the local shops, especially Illinois Harvest, where the locals can tell you about the history of this particular square and the historic buildings still standing on it…witnesses to Lincoln.

C.H. Moore Homestead

Visitors to this site can discover a fully restored building and grounds that depict the elegant Victorian Era and are encouraged to feel free to browse this website and find out more about how a trip to Clinton, Illinois will make lasting memories as they will find points of interest to all age groups.

Guests can escape the pressure of the present and discover the way it used to be in this exquisite mansion that justifiably rests comfortably on the National Register of Historic places. Discover the connection between C.H. Moore and Abraham Lincoln, who shared legal space and a partnership in Clinton. Step back 100 years and for a little while become a part of the extravagant Victorian Era. Discover the C.H.Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum.

Vespasian Warner Public Library

Clinton's first library was housed in Rundle Hall, over Rundle's Meat Market, in 1901. Today, the new Vespasian Warner Public Library District, established in 1989, encompasses the townships of Barnett, Harp, Texas, Creek, Clintonia and DeWitt. An addition to the building was completed in 1992. After almost a century of service, the library continues to expand its facilities to meet the growing needs of the community. Its current collection includes 52,000+ books, 2,000 videos, 230 newspaper and magazine subscriptions, CDs and more. Several meeting rooms are available to local groups; the library also offers year 'round children's and adult's programs; Internet access and many other services.

Outside, visitors will discover Lincoln’s love of books as told on the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail wayside exhibit and not only is the DeWitt County Genealogical and Historical Society, housed within along with their documents…some dating back to the mid 1800’s), but as you enter the building, taking the stairs immediately down, visitors will see a large wall covered by a set of permanent rotating exhibit cases called “Lincoln in DeWitt County.” The exhibit is maintained by the Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County.

Moore-Warner Farm Management

In 1846, C. H. Moore had a strong desire to invest in farmland and purchased his first 120-acre farm. By 1851, he was considered a very large landholder, owning farmland in five states. As the resident lawyer of DeWitt County, Illinois, C. H. Moore was well respected and had numerous friends, including Abraham Lincoln. C. H. Moore and Vespasian Warner formed a law partnership named Moore & Warner. Together, they practiced law and managed farmland out of the very office building in which Moore & Warner Farm Management is located today. In 1901, C. H. Moore passed away, and the C. H. Moore Trust Estate was established. Vespasian Warner was the first Trustee of this vast estate comprised of more than 35,000 acres of farmland.

Following the termination of the Trust in 2000, John Warner, IV, decided to carry on the business of professional farm management, purchased and remodeled this historic office building, establishing Moore & Warner Farm Management. Locals attest to the fact that Lincoln practiced law out of this office while on the Circuit and there is a very knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions from curious visitors and to show the building and explain its history.

Woodlawn Cemetery

Located just up the road from the C.H. Moore Homestead, this local cemetery holds several treasures. One, the wrought-iron fence at the entry way holds one of the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail Waysides that talks about Clinton’s contribution to the Civil War. Two, there is a nicely redone section of the cemetery that contains the soldiers of the Civil War, including a large monument. Three, there is a locally placed wayside that has the outline and information for all of the buried soldiers.

Also, every year, visitors are treated to a beautiful afternoon of a "A Walk Through Woodlawn" Cemetery Walk, and visitors are offered the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity. Organizers use live, costumed interpreters to bring to life the tales of several prominent early pioneers of Clinton who are now permanent residents at Woodlawn. The walk is not only an opportunity to learn some local history, but the proceeds also are used to aid in the preservation of the cemetery. From pioneers to Civil War Soldiers to folks who just remember that young lawyer, Mr. Lincoln, this cemetery has that nice touch that connects you directly to the past.

Address:
Clinton, IL

Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset

Weldon Springs

Lying just southeast of Clinton in DeWitt County, Weldon Springs State Park is a 550-acre park for all seasons. Weldon Springs' recreational agenda is among the most comprehensive in the state park system, offering recreational opportunities year-round. During the milder seasons, you are invited to fish, boat, picnic, camp, hike, and view wildlife. Or, you might want to pitch horseshoes at the park's tournament-quality horseshoe pits. When the snow flies, hardier outdoors persons not only continue many of the warmer weather pursuits, but add sledding and tobogganing on a one-eighth mile hill, ice fishing and cross-country skiing to the itinerary of their visit. Experience DeWitt County as Lincoln knew it.

Purchased by Judge Lawrence Weldon before the Civil War, this site was opened to area residents and youth clubs for picnics for many years. In 1900, Judge Weldon leased the property to the Weldon Springs Company. 150 shares were sold to the public at $50 per share to raise the capital needed to establish an annual assembly known as a Chautauqua. Over the next twenty years, improvements included a dam, bridges, trails, a boathouse, a bathhouse, a diving tower, a pavilion, and an auditorium. For ten days each summer from 1901 to 1921, area residents gathered at the site to hear some of the best public speakers and entertainers of the day. Representing every field of interest, programs were presented for the entertainment, education, and "moral elevation" of the participants. At a price of $1.50 for a season ticket, as many as 325 families camped for the entire term, enjoying the opportunity to socialize with their neighbors. A contemporary account described the event as "forty acres of water, tents, and teams."

Weldon Springs

Political speakers engaged in debates discussing a variety of issues from which party had caused the Panic of 1893 to whether the country should hold on to the Phillippines. Those who attended heard the southern viewpoint on the Civil War and Reconstruction and the story of Count Alexander Lochwitzky's imprisonment and exile by the Russian czar. Former President Taft, House Speaker Champ Clark, Vice Presidents James S. Sherman and Adlai Stevenson I, senators, governors, and judges all made appearances. Most popular were William Jennings Bryan and evangelist Sam Jones. Reverend Billy Sunday was also a regular guest. Female speakers included Helen Keller and Carrie Nation, both making return visits.

The rise of the automobile and the motion picture spelled the demise of the annual Chautauqua Assembly, but the site continued to enrich the lives of area residents. The Judge's son, Lincoln Weldon, bequeathed the original 40 acres along with an additional 10 acres to the City of Clinton to be known as Weldon Springs Park in 1936. The state of Illinois accepted ownership in 1948.

Union School Interpretive Center

Built in 1865, Union School served the rural residents of Logan County, Illinois for more than 80 years. The historic building was moved to the prairie at Weldon Springs, restored, furnished, and equipped for use as both a visitor center and a temporary classroom for area school groups that wish to relocate for a day. A year-round interpreter is available for talks, programs and activities to enhance the visitor experience. More than a museum, Union School is a "hands-on" learning center with a "please touch" philosophy. Both science and local history are emphasized.

A collection of taxidermist-mounted mammals which make their homes in the park encourages visitors to pet a squirrel's tail, feel a badger's claws, or examine a beaver's teeth. Discovery boxes are filled with natural treasures grouped around a central theme to stimulate students' curiosity about the natural world. Insect cards demonstrate many of the basic concepts of ecology with magnified specimens. Additional natural history exhibits examine the park's variety of habitats, the eastern bluebird nestbox trail, forestry, animal builders, and raptors.

Historic exhibits follow the park's development from railroad holding in the 1850's, through the Chautauqua Assemblies at the turn of the century, to its establishment as a state park. Old photos and other historic memorabilia share life in a one-room school, the Schoolhouse project, and a local timeline. The Texas Township Community Building was moved to the prairie in 1995. The Town Hall houses collections of bird nests, rocks and minerals, mussels, animal tracks, grasses, galls, insects and butterflies.

Address:
4734 Weldon Springs Rd., Clinton, IL 61727

Contact:
(217) 935-0373

Hours:
Please Call

DeWitt County Courthouse

For nearly a decade from 1839 to 1849, the DeWitt courthouse was a simple wood-frame building on the square in Clinton. Consisting of one story and boasting a meager 20 feet by 36 feet in its single room, this was not merely the location of the court, but also of community gathering ranging from church groups to dances. It lasted until destroyed, following the completion of a new courthouse in 1849.

The 1849 courthouse was, though much more modern than the previous, still a bit lackluster, in spite of its being a marked improvement. This new design opted for simplicity and functionality. Built for $ 3,565, with $1000 coming from local donations, the new courthouse was brick in construction and boasted two-stories with a space measuring thirty-two by forty-two feet. This courthouse lasted until a new one was constructed in 1893.

The current courthouse is imaged at the right on the bottom, beneath the two images of the second courthouse..